Salisbury area handed Public Space Protection Order
It follows public consultations on anti-social behaviour
Salisbury and its surrounding parishes have been handed a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) by Wiltshire Council following public consultations on anti-social behaviour.
It covers Salisbury city centre and the neighbouring areas of Laverstock & Ford, Quidhampton, Netherhampton, Wilton, Alderbury, Odstock and Coombe Bissett.
The public consultations were held in September and October 2023 as well as February this year, with over 200 responses across the two periods.
The PSPO has been implemented to tackle two issues in the area, including a rise in street drinking related anti-social behaviour witnessed by police, CCTV operators and the public.
PSPOs were created by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and are intended to deal with any nuisance or anti-social behaviour within a defined area that is detrimental to the local community's quality of life.
A police officer in the city centre may require anyone involved in anti-social behaviour in a public place will be required to stop drinking alcohol and surrender anything believed to be containing alcohol.
It is an offence to refuse any such order and continue to consume alcohol.
The PSPO doesn't prevent licensed venues with outdoor seating serving alcohol.
It also prohibits anyone from carrying projectiles such as catapults or slingshots.
Inspector Tina Osborn, from the Salisbury community policing team, said:
“We have worked closely with our partners in delivering this PSPO. I would like to thank the local residents and businesses for engaging in the consultation process and pleased to see that this action was in the main supported.
“Tackling anti-social behaviour associated with drinking alcohol in public places and the use of catapults or such items, is a key priority for the police and this PSPO will be one tool for officers to use to deal with such issues.”
Signs will be put in place to remind people of the restrictions and anyone found in breach of the PSPO could be handed a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100, on the spot.
Failing to pay it could lead to fine of up to £1,000.
Cllr Dominic Muns, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“Our thanks goes to everyone who took part in the consultations on the proposed order for Salisbury.
“Putting a Public Spaces Protection Order in place on an area is not ever done lightly, but in this instance the response was overwhelmingly in favour of it being brought in.
“We want our residents to be reassured that we take anti-social behaviour seriously, a key priority in our business plan is to safeguard our residents. Once the enforcement of the order begins, we hope that it will help to act as a deterrent and reduce the instances of anti-social behaviour that are being seen currently in the city and surrounding areas.”